Nothing But Sweat Weblog

That’s not really a true statement, but there was no available open internet access in the church, so the blog suffered. The group left this morning (with a police escort, no less) and headed for the longest day of the trip. The ride from Mexia to Burleson will be over 95 miles. This ride also includes Tehuacana (Teh-wock-ana) hill (the highest point between Houston and Dallas). There is no doubt that by the time they arrive in Burleson, they will be a little tired. The riders will definitely appreciate the short last day as they ride into Fort Worth.

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The riders have started hitting the parking lot and the showers. Speaking of showers, we need to have a special thanks to the folks at the Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast for opening the facilities for our showering needs (showers are the best part of the day). Pics of the riders to follow.

We celebrated God’s gift of a beautiful day with the lovely people of the Jewett United Methodist Church.

Then departed our conference boundries as we biked to Mexia.

Day two has begun. We started the morning with a devotional by Rev. Amy Harrelson (we need all the help blessings we can get).

We followed that with a little stretching

and then we were off for Jewett and Mexia. Fort Worth, here we come!

We can’t say enough about the wonderful hospitality of the good folks in Iola. Not only did the United Methodist Church show up in droves with food, water, and the all important showers, but many of our riders slept in the local baptist church as well. Gotta love small towns!

Break out the Ben Gay!

The ride from Montgomery to Iola was a great success. The three groups made the ride with just a few flat tires and a lot of sore muscles. 

The crew gathered in Montgomery to start the trip. 

The gang got off to a late start because the chief of police arrived a little late. The three groups all got off to a good start and did not suffer a mechanical problem until they had gone 100 feet.

There are just six days until the group joins up and heads off for Fort Worth. The riders and support crew are taking care of last minute details (must remember lots of talcum powder). We are looking forward to a great trip and more importantly a great success in helping put an end to Malaria in Africa.

By raising $100,000 we will provide 20,000 bed nets (special thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the matching grant). If the people slept just one to a net that would be enough to take care of an entire town the size of Alvin or Kerrville. But I can tell you after having spent three weeks in Kenya and Uganda last year that when a net is available, all the kids sleep under it. I have seen huts with four and five kids under one net. With just two per net you can take care of a town the size of League City or Pearland. And when you consider that Malaria is really a serious threat to mainly young kids and the elderly, it is easy to see how 20,000 nets can effectively cover a town the size of Baytown, College Station or Tyler.

This is the kind of difference you are making by riding, donating, and praying for those who are putting their sweat towards the nets.